Will the GTC Revpad replace traditional guitar effects pedals?

Touchpads on guitars are nothing new - just look at Manson's Matt Bellamy-style offerings and Ibanez's Kaoss Pad-loaded RGKP6 - but GTC reckon its Revpad "will soon replace traditional guitar effects" thanks to a fully realised standalone wireless system.

Attached to any guitar via easily removable hook/loop fastener, the Revpad wirelessly transmits to a base unit, which itself offers a host of effects - think modulation, delays, reverbs et al - as well as what GTC calls TouchFX technology, for effects such as dynamic kill switch, cross fades, a virtual whammy bar and more.

The Revpad base unit utilises analogue distortion and overdrive circuits, as well as digital effects, while external pedals can also be hooked up to allow for wireless control over switching.

As long as the effects in the base unit are up to snuff, this could be a game-changer for guitarists who want wireless control of effects without pedalboard tap-dancing.

Revpad is available to preorder from GTC Sound Innovations for $850, after which it will cost $1,399.

Michael Astley-Brown

Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism, and has spent the past decade writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as a decade-and-a-half performing in bands of variable genre (and quality). In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.